[Therapeutic embolization in the external carotid artery area (author's transl)]

Considering the satisfactory longterm results, artificial embolization alone or in conjunction with open surgery seems to have become established as a new therapeutic measure in the most varied vascular processes. In skilled hands the complication rate of embolization in the supply area of the external carotid artery is extremely low. The advantages of vascular occlusion by embolization compared to vascular ligature in the treatment of arteriovenous malformations are to be seen in connection with the angioma-like and consequently more efficient elimination of the affluxes and of the malformation itself as well as in the possibility of repeating the treatment in case of relapse. Recanalization of vessels already embolized and the lack of an ideal embolization material emphasize that important aspects of this therapy still need further development.